Joseph of Freising

It is sometimes claimed that he was a native of Verona in Italy, whence his alternative name, but it is equally possible that he was from Bavaria or northern Austria, or perhaps the Tyrol.

He had the reputation of a zealous and energetic promoter of the interests of the church, to have had a keen grasp of the importance for the church of acquiring large possessions, and to have been highly effective in attracting donations, especially of land.

He was also closely involved, after 760, with the respective lay founders in the establishment of Schäftlarn and Scharnitz Abbeys.

At Scharnitz he appointed Atto, Aribo's successor as bishop of Freising, also to be highly successful in the acquisition of estates for the diocese.

After his death on 17 January 764, Joseph was buried in the church of Isen Abbey, founded by himself, where his tomb was restored in 1743.